Post of the Month

~ September 2006 ~

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David ~ Written by Nikke.  Posted on the HoS Yahoo group September 2005.

The sun was sinking as David together with his manservant Hugh entered the gates of Nottingham.

They rode through narrow crowded streets, some cobbled, some not, most filthy with refuse. The houses lining the streets were packed close together, some set so close top each other across a narrow street that their overhung second storey all but blocked out the sky overhead.

Buildings of all descriptions overhung it on both sides. The shutters of the shop fronts were open, revealing the working areas behind. Rows of candles hung dripping in racks at the candle-makers and a small boy sat in the doorway, twisting and snipping wicks. The forge by the small alehouse rang with the noise of activity

And there were people everywhere in a never-ending flow. The poor begging on corners. Barefoot children played in the strreets, richly clad merchants on horseback rode past, aldermen and priests moved through the crowds. There were apprentices running up and down the streets on errands, pushing and jostling their way through the crowds. Carts and wagons rumbled their way along the cobbles. Sellers of hot pies carries their wares along the streets, and carpenters and stone-masons worked away by their shops. Here and there amongst the crowds came a aflluent splash of rich colour; cloth of gold or scarlet and silver, as a servant dressed in his rich masters livery passed by.

Not many curious eyes were bent in David's direction, and he was glad for it. He had purposely dressed in simple plain clothes and his horse was devoid of its usual trappings as befitted an Earl's steed. Hugh too was dressed plainly. It was hard for a casual onlooker to tell who was master and who was servant.

David wanted as little fuss as possible surrounding his visit to Nottingham. The fewer the people who knew he had come here before he had had the chance to find Robert in Sherwood and speak with him, the better. The fewer the people who knew what his intentions were regarding Robert, the better.

But the day was fading; they had ridden hard and fast, and it was too late to venture into Sherwood now. Not with the sun sinking so fast. David controlled the urge to try and find his wayward son this night.

His son, who he had not seen for more than a year... His son, if all the rumours were true, who would not be able to see HIM when they did meet. David wondered what on earth he would find to say to Robert once he came face to face with his son. What consolation could he possibly give over Robert's blindness?

He did not know, and in a way he was almost afraid of what the morrow might bring....

Nottingham Castle loomed before him now, and he knew that within, there was another son of his - and another son he scarce knew what to say to either...

The gates to the inner courtyard of the castle were opened, the captain of the guard recognising David, and he rode through into the Castle proper, Hugh following.

Whatever was to come, thought David, one thing was for sure - Guy would not be expecting him....